Diagnosis of Septicemia


As part of the diagnosis of Septicemia the doctor may conduct a urine test, swab or blood test along with measuring the temperature and the blood pressure of the individual. The samples thus collected will be sent by the doctor to the lab to ascertain which type of bacteria has caused the blood poisoning so that appropriate treatment may then be prescribed. Initially the doctor will simply prescribe a course of antibiotics if the infection is mild or in its initial stages.

Some of the tests that form part of the diagnosis of Septicemia include:

  • Blood Counts: This test will help the doctor ascertain the increase or decrease in the number of platelets and white blood cells thereby enabling them to determine the immunity level of the individual.
  • Urine Test: Individuals suffering from Septicemia will show presence of protein in their urine.
  • Liver Function Test:  An individual with Septicemia will have high bilirubin and liver enzyme levels.
  • Culture of infected urine, sputum or tissues is also taken by the doctor for the diagnosis of Septicemia as this helps in determining the site of the infection initially.
  • ECG: Individuals suffering from Septicemia or blood poisoning will have a high heart rate that will show in the ECG.
The accurate diagnosis of Septicemia will help the doctor determine which group the person falls into depending on the severity of the infection.